THE EU EFFECT
Re: Philip Klein’s
All the President’s Regulators:
The Philip Klein article about our wily Proto-Dictator simply
makes my brain hurt.
Who is to stop this unparalleled dismantling of our social,
economic, and political systems by a tiny
less-than-a-minority who does not represent the beliefs of
Americans?
I call it “The E.U. Effect,” in which unelected bureaucrats
simply mandate anything they want, while the people have no say
whatsoever in the matter.
Others might call it “The Chavez Effect,” or “The Commissariat
Effect,” or “The Adolf Effect.”
“The E.U. Effect” brings the same totalitarian result, just under
a different, softer name.
— A. C. Santore
We owe a big “thank you” to all the conservatives who said we
could lose an election or two back in 2006. We also owe a “pat on
the back” for those “independent” voices in the
alternative/conservative media that said punishing Republicans
was smart. Thanks for the Obamanation you’ve created. Hope you’re
enjoying the change you helped create.
— Michael Tomlinson
Jacksonville, North Carolina
A truly limitless source of energy — if only someone can find a
way to harness all that hot air rising over Capitol Hill.
— Gretchen L. Chellson
Alexandria, Virginia
SURRENDERING ALUMINUM
Re: Eric Peters’ Worst
of the Beetles:
The author is wrong about the engine being aluminum. A few of the
autos produced after the war used aluminum as Germany was
forbidden by the surrender treaty to produce, use, fabricate, etc
magnesium in any manner. This lasted until 1950 when VW started
to get magnesium from Norway and from Dow Chemical in Texas.
The original Beetle had a cast magnesium block and transmission
housing. The original Beetle was designed by Porsche who had used
magnesium engines since 1928. The Beetle and the 911 Porsche both
used magnesium blocks.
—Robert E. Brown
THE BOTAX
Re: Robert M. Goldberg’s A
New Ugly Wrinkle:
The “Botax” will ostensibly raise several billion dollars, while
affecting working women who want to appear young in the
workplace. I have suggested that Congress tax legal plaintiff
judgments instead, which are currently tax-free and involve
hundreds of billions every year. That may solve both the health
care and the legal problems in one fell swoop! Suing someone for
something can be a lot more lucrative than the lottery , where
odds are long and winnings are taxed.
— Robert Mandraccia MD
Plastic Surgeon
ON THE MONEY
Re: Tom Bethell’s
Britain’s Taxing Mistake:
Exactly on the money. If anything, it understates the stupidity
of what is taking place. The structural changes brought by
businesses and productive executives fleeing for more friendly
environments will be at a minimum long lasting and probably
permanent. London spent a long time creating its financial centre
but it will not take long to significantly reduce its importance.
Most companies I know are also ruthlessly cleaning out expats
that fill key knowledge and experience gaps.
I am one of the “fat cats” who are targeted by the government. I
am at the helm of a team that is successfully turning around a
company at death’s door. 1600 families depend on our success. I
postponed retirement (to the tropics) in order to undertake this
last project. There is zero chance of me bringing this project to
its natural (successful) conclusion, filling the coffers of HM
Treasury rather than lying on the beach, playing golf and
enjoying life. 40% I could put up with (plus the thousands of
hidden taxes) but 50% is just simply a bridge too far.
Not only will this generate far less revenue than projected, the
loss will probably be permanent. Cameron is a fool to not commit
to eliminating this idiocy.
— Steve MacDonald
GUITAR CHECK
Re: W. James Antle III.’s Guitar
Man:
I am one of Thad’s constituents. I was hoping to see the
rationale for his “YES” vote on Card Check. I’ve been trying for
months to get an answer…without success.
— Doug Holloway
Livonia, Michigan
OK, maybe. But I’m reminded of another guitar player, Lee
Atwater. Ahh, the good ‘ol days.
— Mike Showalter
Austin, Texas
HOPE ‘N CHANGIN’
Re: Peter Hannaford’s
Sky May Not Be Falling:
Wonderful, Wonderful Hope ‘n Changin’
Wonderful, wonderful Hope ‘n Changin’
I’ll be the toast of the town
‘Neath the TV lights
I’m so very bright
Watch me put my country down
Wonderful, wonderful Hope ‘n Changin’
Hey, it’s not about me
India’s not on board
Nor the Mongol horde
Still I’m Hope ‘n Changin’, wonderful, wonderful
Hope ‘n Changin’ that’s me
I’ll talk up our IOUs and
Talk down our BTUs
All we need is to pass cap-and-trade
The Chinese are looking for me
With some T-bills they say are unpaid
Wonderful, wonderful Hope ‘n Changin’
CRU’s mess has ‘em down
But I won’t hesitate
To spin “Climategate”
There’s no need for us to frown
Wonderful, wonderful Hope ‘n Changin’
Just show that treaty to me
You won’t see me cry
Once the ink is dry
Singing Hope ‘n Changin’, wonderful, wonderful
Hope ‘n Changin’ that’s me
— Mike Showalter
Austin, Texas
